WHILE LOUGHBOROUGH Outwoods 1st XI’s match was rained off, the 2nd XI once again showed an excellent fighting spirit as they fought back from a disastrous start to register a big winning draw against Dunton Bassett 2nd XI.

WHILE LOUGHBOROUGH Outwoods 1st XI’s match was rained off, the 2nd XI once again showed an excellent fighting spirit as they fought back from a disastrous start to register a big winning draw against Dunton Bassett 2nd XI.

Fielding a strong line up, Outwoods were blown away in the opening overs by Cross who bamboozled Neil, Taylor and Bowley with an immaculate demonstration of swing bowling to leave them reeling at 8 for 4.

The experienced Nigel Moore (14) then formed a critical partnership with the belligerent Steve Faull, who swatted the Dunton bowlers to the far extremities of the ground and beyond.

Faull fell for a rapid 31 after not offering a shot to a rare straight ball from Popat, before Massey joined Moore to begin to push the score up to a respectable level.

Moore’s stoic vigil ended in the 23rd over as he looked to increase the scoring rate, but Massey (40) and Bowles (21) shared a vital 57 run partnership to form the basis of the eventual total of 153 for 9 from the allotted 45 overs.

Dunton’s reply started poorly as Barot was run out by an excellent piece of fielding from Bowles who seemed to be enjoying not having the gloves on.

Bowley then dismissed Downing before Crich was also run out to start a mini collapse which left the home side at 36 for 6.

Much as Outwoods had done earlier, Popat and Cross then consolidated the innings, but once Popat was dismissed by Massey for 13, Outwoods sensed that any chance of a home victory had disappeared.

The ninth wicket fell in the 40th over but Crane shielded his partner well to leave Outwoods to settle for a draw which had seemed highly unlikely after the opening overs of their own innings.

Outwoods are now undefeated in five and a renewed sense of optimism has descended over the NCG.